Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Oxycodone
Severity: Major
Buprenorphine and Oxycodone: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Buprenorphine is a high-affinity partial mu agonist that can block oxycodone's effects and precipitate withdrawal in opioid-dependent patients. Alternatively, both drugs together add respiratory depression and sedation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine and Oxycodone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Buprenorphine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Oxycodone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Competitive, high-affinity partial agonism at mu receptors displaces full agonists, while overlapping opioid effects add CNS depression.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use unless planned, such as supervised transition. Monitor for withdrawal, inadequate analgesia, and respiratory depression.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Oxycodone
- Alvimopan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Other interactions of Buprenorphine
- Alvimopan + Buprenorphine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine with Oxycodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine and Oxycodone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Buprenorphine is a high-affinity partial mu agonist that can block oxycodone's effects and precipitate withdrawal in opioid-dependent patients. Alternatively, both drugs together add respiratory depression and sedation.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Oxycodone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concurrent use unless planned, such as supervised transition. Monitor for withdrawal, inadequate analgesia, and respiratory depression.
What other medicines interact with Oxycodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxycodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Oxycodone page.
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